9 Bollywood Movies That Stood Up Against Domestic Violence

Bollywood is home to 100 Genres and all sorts of movies. Some of them are quite different from each other and have a unique background story. While the whole world thinks movies are just a source of entertainment, some movies set some boundaries and were just exceptional at conveying social messages.

For example, let’s take Koi Mil Gaya by Rakesh Rohan featuring his son Hrithik Roshan. The Sci-fi movie turned out to be such an awesome flick that it was a hit at the box office. There are movies that show patriotism and passion towards the country like Kesari which is based on true events.

Autobiographies like M.S Dhoni The Untold Story was a movie loved by everyone, the movie was also a turning point for the talented actor, Sushant Singh Rajput’s career. Sports movies like Chak De India proved to be an inspiration for many. While these movies were successful, some movies showcased the reality of life.

Today we are here to talk about 9 inspirational movies which stood against domestic violence:

1. Mehndi (1998)

From a very abusive husband and abusive in-laws, the movie Mehndi is a nightmare. This movie is the worst possibility of what a woman can face in her marriage. The movie mainly focuses on the dowry part. This movie showcases that when the dowry isn’t paid to the family then how she will be ill-treated. Pooja (Rani Mukerji), the protagonist was shown to suffer a lot, but with her husband’s tragic death, she gets back with her in-laws and makes them realize their mistake. This is a real eye-opener.

2. Provoked (2006)

Starring Aishwarya Rai Bachhan, Provoked is a film that was entirely shot in London. This movie by Jag Mundhra was an eye-opener for many people. Based on a real-life incident where a woman kills her husband. The husband tortures her and treats her badly. After 10 years of physical torture, the wife kills her husband. This movie ends on a happy note where the actress asks for help from the public and finally comes out of the judicial system.

3. Khoon Bhari Maang (1988)

With Kabir Bedi (Sanjay) and Rekha (Aarti) in the lead. Rakesh Roshan’s Khoon Bhari Maang is a cinema with a wonderful story and a lesson to learn. Rekha, a widow, and a mother of two falls in love with Kabir Bedi who is a con. Kabir Bedi then leaves Rekha in a lake full of crocodiles and tries to steal all her property. However, the lead, Rekha, returns to seek revenge on him and makes him pay for his sins. An absolutely great work by Rakesh Roshan and his team.

4. Agni Sakshi (1996)

Starring Nana Patekar and Manisha Koirala, this movie showed everyone the meaning of the line, “Hadh se zyada kuch bhi acha nahi, Pyar Bhi Nahi”. In this movie, Nana Patekar was shown to have great affection and love for his wife Manisha Koirala a.k.a Madhu. But later, as the mad love increases, Nana Patekar loses his mind and starts torturing his wife. Nana Patekar was shown to be extremely aggressive and possessive in this film. Both the actors were highly appreciated for this movie.

5. Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat (1997)

Judging by the title of this movie, it is not what you think. Well, everyone expects a groom should be strong and loving who arrives at the wedding on a horse and the wedding happens in a grand way. In this movie Rani Mukerji, the lead has to marry the man who raped her. Mala (Rani Mukerji) thought her life would go smoothly and easily. Well, she was wrong as things go bad. Her husband starts to torture and treat her badly. Not only the man but the in-laws also torment her. But in the end, Mala with her love and affection makes her husband fall for her.

6. Daman (2001)

Raveena Tandon plays the lead in this movie, Daman – A Victim of Marital Violence. Durga Saikia falls into an abusive marriage and gets tortured mentally and physically by her husband. One fine day, she decides to run away with her children and later is found by the same person and is eventually killed by him. It is a masterpiece by Kalpana Lajmi, and lead actress Raveena Tandon won the National award for best actress.

7. Thappad (2020)

This movie was hyped before its release and after its release, different people came up with different reactions. The movie starring Taapsee Pannu showed us that whatever the reason is, physical abuse is wrong in every way. The message the movie gives us is strong and clear. All it says is ‘An Unjustified act is not a Justified act’.

8. Darlings (2022)

A movie by Jasmeet K. Reen, Darlings showcases the struggles of an abusive marriage. It displays how casual sexism is considered normal in society and how silence is practiced against the eternalized patriarchy. The plot of this new Bollywood movie starring Alia Bhatt is brutally honest and real.

9. Akaash Vani (2013)

Akaash Vani, directed by Luv Ranjan, deals with marital rape and recounts the plight of a woman after a marriage against her will. It gives us an insight into how parents push their daughters into abusive marriages due to society’s pressure and fail to support them and help them come out of it.